ROUX: OL Matt McCants commits to UL

[RCAJUN90]

He played a year of HS football. That may be enough to assess his fundamental football skills. I equate OL size, coupled with some raw ability (quickness, strength) to someone with impressive speed (like the beer man for the Saints). We may have found a diamond in the rough. Maybe not. As for doubting this coaching staff for finding talent, are you serious?

No what I meant was what they do with the talent. Bustle and crew have done a good job getting quality players.

[Turbine]

You learn something new everyday. I just assumed that it would be rare that a kid that didn't play high school ball could be a great player at the next level.

I think you are right. It is rare, probably very rare.

Now for the guy who plays just one year of high school ball and somehow excels (or even just does good) in that his 1st and only season . . . I say "Grab Him" the potential upside is just to great.

Here is what I would like to see; Matt McCants BLOW the tuba for Cajun Walk, and then BLOW the defense off the line for the game. How cool would that be?

[MissingMandy]

Look at a lot of the lineman recruited out of high school...most of the time it is strictly on size because you can teach talent, you can't teach size.

It takes a long time for an offensive linemen to develop and grow to their full potential. That is usually why they are offered late in the season as opposed to the beginning. Be kind..I am sure they have plans for him and are not going to give any player a scholarship just because they feel like it. Welcome!

[Turbine]

It takes a long time for an offensive linemen to develop and grow to their full potential. That is usually why they are offered late in the season as opposed to the beginning. Be kind..I am sure they have plans for him and are not going to give any player a scholarship just because they feel like it. Welcome!

In my opinion the Lineman are the most crucial part of a team. I call them "Time Machines" because the time an OL allows for a play to develop is so very important to a teams success.

[Clutch0364]

It takes a long time for an offensive linemen to develop and grow to their full potential. That is usually why they are offered late in the season as opposed to the beginning. Be kind..I am sure they have plans for him and are not going to give any player a scholarship just because they feel like it. Welcome!

I completely agree...I didn't mean anything negative in that statement. I played o-line I realize how tough the position is, a lot more to it than most fans realize. Can't wait to see your son in a cajun uniform...I have heard many good things about him.

[MissingMandy]

I completely agree...I didn't mean anything negative in that statement. I played o-line I realize how tough the position is, a lot more to it than most fans realize. Can't wait to see your son in a cajun uniform...I have heard many good things about him.

That is such a nice thing to say. I can't wait to see him in the uniform too! He just made 1st team all district offensive linemen so we are quite excited about that. It's always nice to hear from someone who actually knows how tough a position the oline is. They work soooo hard, take so much physical abuse each game (and practice) and rarely complain. Most fans don't realize how complex the position is.

[CajunGuru]

That is such a nice thing to say. I can't wait to see him in the uniform too! He just made 1st team all district offensive linemen so we are quite excited about that. It's always nice to hear from someone who actually knows how tough a position the oline is. They work soooo hard, take so much physical abuse each game (and practice) and rarely complain. Most fans don't realize how complex the position is.

I also look forward to seeing your son compete with the Cajun Program. Many of us on this board have either played football or have kids that play the sport. My son played his first year of football this year in middle school. He had to learn the OL position and really started to play well the second half of the season. The OL position is as much mental as it is physical. Kids have to learn leverage and footwork, and sound technique is the starting point. I played high school football with a kid that did not play football until his junior year in high school. The guy was an excellent tuba and base player in the band. At 6-4,300 lbs., once he learned the game he was really good. He graduated high school and signed with the Cajun program. He played a lot as a true freshman and had a great four year run with the football program. Some people don’t understand the many kids are late bloomers and don’t start playing football until they are older. Many of these kids develop in high school and go on to play college football.

[MissingMandy]

I also look forward to seeing your son compete with the Cajun Program. Many of us on this board have either played football or have kids that play the sport. My son played his first year of football this year in middle school. He had to learn the OL position and really started to play well the second half of the season. The OL position is as much mental as it is physical. Kids have to learn leverage and footwork, and sound technique is the starting point. I played high school football with a kid that did not play football until his junior year in high school. The guy was an excellent tuba and base player in the band. At 6-4,300 lbs., once he learned the game he was really good. He graduated high school and signed with the Cajun program. He played a lot as a true freshman and had a great four year run with the football program. Some people don’t understand the many kids are late bloomers and don’t start playing football until they are older. Many of these kids develop in high school and go on to play college football.

It's really true ESPECIALLY with linemen. They take time to develop and it's why many are not offered scholarships until late in the recruiting season. They have to know hundreds of plays, footwork, agility, endurance and so much more. Good luck to your son, just keep him working at all of the above and start lifting as soon as you feel he is old enough to do so and he'll do great!!

[BIGCajun71]

I seen this guy in action and he's spectucalur. For just his first yeah he's pretty good. With a year of good coaching he will be a spectacular player.

[Zeebart21]

I seen this guy in action and he's spectucalur. For just his first yeah he's pretty good. With a year of good coaching he will be a spectacular player.

BC71, make sure he brings the heat every play! PANCAKE CITY!

looking forward to have him here!

Z.